Grant: Training Grant in Genetic Epidemiology - Letter of Intent

Most diseases affecting populations are considered to have an environmental and a genetic component. Understanding of genetic susceptibility as a major determinant of diseases has received much attention in the last decade because knowledge about the human genome has evolved considerably, and technological progress has made the study genetic determinants in large populations feasible and affordable. However, the number of knowledgeable investigators in genetic epidemiology remains small in Canada, and their dispersion can lead to undesirable consequences. The first is that Canada may not reach its potential in the production of fundamental knowledge in this area; second, although there are already highly competent investigators in this area in Canada, without training incentives, and thus trainees, it is much more difficult to set up collaborative initiatives where knowledge is shared and enhanced; finally, because of the paucity of trained resources, mainstream biomedical professionals may not receive a sufficient level of training, leading to a limited understanding of the complex and sophisticated published studies. In this application, we propose a training program in genetic epidemiology, covering all of it main aspects, from studies in the population to laboratory analysis of genetic samples. To this end, we will embed the program in actual academic training programs and training facilities at McGill University with stellar reputations, nationally and internationally. Training will be offered in epidemiology, biostatistics, genetic epidemiology, molecular biology, and bioinformatics. In addition to McGill Faculty, we have recruited the participation of experts at Université Laval. To maximize the quality and diversity of the offer to trainees, through workshops, special summer programs, interactive seminars, and shared supervision, we also propose to collaborate with experts at the local level (U de Montréal), and the Canadian level (Ontario universities).